In the context of worship, Bishop Paul will open our time together by addressing the conference. In response, Rich Atkinson will lead us in a time of prayer and response.

Throughout the conference, we’re delighted to be joined by Christopher Ash. Christopher is Writer-in-Residence at Tyndale House, and he hopes to encourage younger scholars to grow in faithful loving loyalty to Jesus, and to use their gifts to serve the church of Christ.

His three sessions will cover:

• The Love that Transcends All Loves (Psalm 45)
• A Psalm for a Troubled Church (Psalm 74)
• Sustaining a Life of Praise (Psalm 145)

Christopher has just published a four-volume commentary offering a deeply Christian study of the Psalms, which you can purchase here.

Becky Drake co-leads Worship for Everyone, a movement to unite all ages in worship, writing songs for churches, homes and schools and a new way of thinking about corporate worship.

Becky’s session will help us to gain a theological vision for intergenerational worship, reflect on current experience, and offer practical insights into how to grow and develop this ministry in your context.

An chance to gather with others ministering in your deanery to share stories of encouragement as well as to pray for one another. 

How can we pray with families in our church settings? What are some creative ways of praying with children present? Whether you have children of your own or not, whether you currently have children in your church or not, this lab will help you to prioritise and practice praying in, with and for families.

A space to practice hearing God’s voice and sharing God’s encouragement with others through prayer. Whether you’re brand new or very used to praying prophetically, come ready to be encouraged and to be used by God to encourage others.

Ministry and life can be a battle. What happens when our prayers don’t appear to be answered? How might we ‘contend in prayer’ in these situations?

Drawing on personal testimony and scripture, this workshop will look at how we can pray with greater persistence and awareness of our authority in Christ, so that we may see more breakthroughs. There will be opportunities to put some of this into practice during the session.

Exploring the rich and ancient practices of opening the mind and heart to God through silence, meditation on Scripture – and creativity.

Lianna Basdeo is ‘Artist-in-Residence’ at Lady Bay Church and runs creative workshops helping people to engage with faith and Scripture.

A brief introduction to pilgrimage from the Camino to the “micro”. This lab will include pointers and resources for local pilgrimage options, and most importantly a chance to have a go. Bring sturdy footwear and waterproofs in case of rain!